An early morning fire tore through the remote village of Solove in Qeleni, Taveuni, yesterday, destroying two homes and a vehicle, leaving eight family members displaced, with one minor injury reported.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) confirmed to fijivillage News that they received an emergency call at 5.30am via Totogo Police Station reporting a fire in the informal settlement of Solove.
NFA said due to severely deteriorated road access, the fire truck was unable to reach the site.
They say firefighters were forced to carry heavy firefighting equipment more than 200 metres uphill to reach the burning properties.
The fire was successfully extinguished by 8.45am.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane said the dedication of the firefighters was exceptional, and is urging residents to maintain clear access routes to properties for emergency vehicles and install and regularly service fire extinguishers.
He also says residents should practice safe cooking and electrical use, and create and rehearse a family fire escape plan.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
